Les confections Lamartine inc. is practically the ninth member of Marguerite Chamberland and Antonio Gagné’s family. Founded in 1969 in the family home located in Saint-Eugène, the company had modest beginnings.

1969
Mrs. Chamberland acquired experience in the field while working for an entrepreneur in Montmagny. After one year of trying to juggle a job with the needs of her family, came the idea of working from home. Mr. Gagné, who at that time worked for a textile company, suggested that she sew directly at home. This was the beginning. In the evening, once Mr. Gagné was home and the children in bed, the kitchen was transformed into a small factory. The couple used the counters and table to spread out the fabric and cut the pieces from patterns that Mrs. Chamberland had drawn. The next day they were sewn up on two rented machines.

The first year was devoted to the production of coveralls that were practically custom-made. Mr. Gagné handled distribution, having a few contacts in the industry.  This resulted in a contract the following year for 3,000 suits thanks to a profitable encounter with a representative from l’Islet.

1970
During the second year, operations needed to be restructured to meet their commitments. Space was found, nine additional sewing machines were leased and a few workers from the village were hired. Despite difficult conditions, the contract was filled in five months and overall production was brisk. However, it was unthinkable to spend another winter in a building that was so cold that the pipes froze and the women practically needed to sew with mittens.

1971
The year 1971 saw the launch of industrial production with the purchase of a house that was transformed into a factory. The family and a few friends took on this project wholeheartedly. The miserable state of the building initially is still a source of jokes among those who knew it… In spite of it all, the building at 292 Chemin Lamartine was soon ready for new employees, new clothes and new contracts. Unfortunately, this was short-lived. They needed to move again: the building no longer corresponded to the growing needs of the company, but especially to safety standards. As the owner said, ‘You have to make do with what you have’.

1975
In 1975, the company purchased the Sombrero Theater in L’Islet-sur-Mer. Major renovations were needed, an extension was built, and the factory began to thrive, this time under adequate conditions. Les confections Lamartine became increasingly self-sufficient and slowly dropped subcontracting to develop its own products, primarily snowmobile suits. Customer response was excellent and the company sought out new challenges. The 80s saw the introduction of a new product line, work clothes, a niche that has continued to expand ever since.

1991
The 90s were a time of important changes. In 1991, Mr. Gagné’s son officially took over the company. Having always been involved in the industry, he decided to take the plunge. Antonio remained president, but Serge became vice president and general manager.

1994
In 1994, the factory moved for the fourth time, always needing more space. A new building was purchased a few kilometers from the old factory. During this decade, the company branched out into motorcycle clothes, first subcontracting for a major U.S. company, then on its own.

2000-
In the years 2000, a new line of hunting clothes was launched. Under the Ravage label, this collection gave the company a new incentive to constantly innovate and progress. Sadly, Mrs. Chamberland is no longer here to see how big the family business has become or how important it is to the local economy. She would certainly be proud to see what has been accomplished so far and would hope that the company continues to prosper.